Travel and Vacation Digest » China Vacations

China Vacations With Mickey Mouse

Ed — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 02:42:01 +0000

When looking at a China vacation package you might be surprised to learn that there is a little bit of America in one of the biggest Chinese cites. In the city of Hong Kong, there is a Chinese Disney World. It was built by the government of Hong Kong and the Walt Disney Company in 2005. Since then the park has generated joy and entertainment for millions of Chinese and international tourists that have visited Hong Kong. The complex has a Disney theme park and two hotels to host the visitors. Sitting on almost three hundred acres of expensive Hong Kong real estate the park offers dining and shopping just like its American and European counterpart.

During your China vacation you will be amazed to learn that the Disney Company is trying to do the same thing that did when they opened up the Disney theme park in France. They do not want to take away from the local culture but to blend the culture into the park. Main Street U.S.A. will not be a feature here, but you could go for a ride on a Chinese barge or have your picture taken with a caricature of Mao Tse Tung. The buildings were built with the Chinese culture in mind as each ballroom was constructed with eight hundred and eighty eight square feet which honors the numbers of luck. There was even an incense burning ceremony as each building completed construction.

Don't be afraid of language barriers when you go on your Chinese vacation. The park's employess not only speaks the Cantonese and Mandarin languages, they also speak English. You won't have to make hand signals and read difficult signs in this park, you just have to walk up to an employee and ask. With this friendliness and politeness the Disney executives project that he park will attract up to six million visitors in the first ten years of its opening. Most of these visitors will come from mainland China, but there is a projected figure of at least two million coming from America and Europe.

The Disney Company is already planning a second phase for your China Vacation adventure. They want to add a Frontier land and a Mickey's Toontown on the land next door to the original park. The only fall back is that the government of Hong Kong wants to sell the land at a much higher price than the original park and it may take a few years of negotiations. No matter what the outcome is in phase two of the project, you can visit Hong Kong Disneyland and at the same time experience the culture and the history of the area. You can see famous Chinese architecture alongside the Victorian influence of the English occupiers who gave up their rights to the city almost a decade ago. You can sample the local foods and when you have had enough of the Chinese culture, you can see a little bit of home by revisiting Disneyland and feeling more at home.

China Vacations Are Becoming More Popular

Ed — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:27:01 +0000

So you want to go to China. China vacations are becoming more popular than ever before and the accommodations that are open for foreign visitors are more affordable and more fun than ever before. Whether you want to visit the Forbidden City or walk along the Great Wall, your China vacation can be all you would wish it to be. The newly opened economic and cultural ties with the rest of the world have made China the vacation destination for all ages and all budgets. Now tourists everywhere can enjoy the deep culture and history that has made this country of a billion souls a vacation hotspot.

The China vacation package that you choose may take you to just one city or a whirlwind tour of the country where you can sample the culture of all the providences China has to offer. One famous stop that most tourists enjoy is the Temple of Heaven or Tiantan located outside of Beijing. This wonderful place of worship was built in 1420 and was used by two famous dynasties as a place to pray for luck and prosperity for the coming year. The Ming dynasty changed the original name of The Temple of Heaven and Earth to just Heaven because there was another temple dedicated to mother earth on the other side of the city.

The Qing Dynasty build the Forbidden City in the sixteenth century and this is one site you must see no matter what kind of China vacations package you choose. The palace was constructed on close to three hundred acres and hosts buildings that have almost nine hundred rooms. The emperor of China lived there for almost five centuries and he shared the monstrous complex with family, priests, and soldiers. Political advisors also held residence in this beautiful historic landmark. After the last Emperor was taken from power the Forbidden City has been under the charge of Palace Museum and though open to the public now, the name Forbidden was dubbed due to the policy that you could enter the city only with the Emperor's permission.

The China Vacations market is opening up world wide and these are only two of the featured historical and cultural attractions that draw thousands to the country each year. There are discount rates at many physical and online vacation destination services that offer hotel, car, and flight packages. Shop around. Even though the country may be on the other side of the world, they are closer than you think in terms of affordability, reliability, and fun. Even if china vacations were something you only dreamed of, take a chance and see what is out there. You could be on a plane waiting to land in Beijing and be in the Forbidden City or the Temple to Heaven the next day. You will be amazed about how much culture and how much history you will absorb at every turn of a corner and ever personal encounter with the fine people that live in this country.

Adventure Excursions On Your China Vacations

Ed — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:36:01 +0000

China vacations have more to offer than just visiting Hong Kong or Beijing. There are many things to do in China that is unique to the country and has no similarities to any other country in Asia or the world. There are so many interesting things in China that the culture and the history may be ignored as you see the beautiful landscape and take in the scenery from steamy jungles to dry deserts. You can climb mountains, bike across the country side, or lay on the beaches of China's hundreds of miles of coast. The adventures and the sites are fabulous and the China vacation that you choose will give you memories that last a lifetime.

One of the biggest attractions in China is the Panda Bears. These majestic creatures can be seen in the world's zoos, but there is not adventure like seeing a Panda Bear in the wild. On these guided excursions you can go to the mountain bamboo forests and see these curious but dangerous bears up close and personal. Think of the photo opportunities you can have to add to your scrapbook. The tour not only highlights the Panda Bears, this China vacation excursion also lets you view and learn about the unique plants and animals that can be only found on this continent. You will walk away from the tour feeling more in tune with the world around you.

The most famous landmark in China and a must see for all China vacations is the Great Wall. Most people go to three or four select spots to visit the wall. Here the grounds are crowded with markets selling tourist items and t-shirts. If you do not want to visit this tourist hell, you may want to plan a Great Wall biking and camping excursion. You can start at one end of the Great Wall and ride your bike along the road that was built on its top. You will see China's country side like no other adventurer has before. If you are feeling really adventurous you can hike the eight hundred and ninety mile wall from end to end.

You can mix and match your China vacation by both doing the nature tours and visiting the large urban centers. Beijing and Hong Kong offer modern conveniences and also has the Chinese cultural values and architecture instilled within them. Every street in these large cities will offer new adventures and surprises and the old meets the new in these urban metropolis. You can visit the Forbidden City near Beijing and walk the alley ways and the paths of the Emperors of the past. Each block of these huge cities has its own unique history that will bring the tourist in a realm of warriors, farmers, and kings. During your China vacation you can sample local foods and see traditional religious ceremonies take place. China is a place of wonderment and amazement and if you do not visit this oasis of culture, you are losing out on your vacation dollar.

Staying At A Vacation Home During Your China Vacations

Ed — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:33:01 +0000

China vacations are becoming the most popular kind of vacations in the world. The opening of many areas to western tourists has allowed millions of people to witness the cultural beauty and diversity that abounds. Most people go on a guided tour that is escorted by a local. If you really want to immerse yourself into the Chinese culture then you might want to think about renting an apartment or house to spend more time there. There are many vacation home offerings on the internet and through travel agencies. By spending more time and having a place to call home in China, you will be able to really get into what China is all about.

The natural beauty and cultural diversity offered in a China vacation is world renowned. There are more than a billion people waiting for you to share their culture and their way of life. Chinese citizens are fiercely proud of their heritage and by renting a vacation getaway in China, you will be apart of a culture that has spanned thousands of years. As a guest in a vacation home and China, you will have a base camp in which to wander through the towns and quiet country sides like no other tourist before you. The culture and the history will come alive as you can make your own itinerary on a daily basis to choose where you want to go and what you want to do.

One day you could visit the Great Wall of China and the next day you can see the splendor and the majesty of the Forbidden City. You can set out from your China vacation home and just be apart of the bustling activity around you. You can visit local markets and try the local food. If you are suffering from exhaustion because of jet lag or a hard day of touring, you may want to visit the local Chinese herbalist for a traditional cure for your ailments. The sky is the limit on the things you can do from a vacation home rental that you would not be able to do if you stayed at a hotel or the traditional China vacation of taking a guided tour.

The natural beauty of China is something to take in along with the culture and history. There are hundreds of miles of coastline and beaches that you can enjoy. You can go to southern China near the Vietnam boarder and visit jungles and Buddhist shrines. You can visit the mountains in the East or even take a cruise down the Yangtze River. There are deserts, forests, jungles, mountains, plains, and farmland that is unique to this continent and to the world. Every ecological biosphere is represented here and it is up to you where and when you want to explore it. There are night clubs in Hong Kong and concerts in Beijing. The country is yours for the exploration.

Most China vacations rely on the expertise of a guide. Now you can become your own guide as you travel the country and see the things that you want to see and build your own China vacation off your wants and your imagination.

Romantic China Vacations

Ed — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:31:01 +0000

When choosing a romantic vacation for you and your spouse, you might want to think about choosing china for your vacation destination. China vacations are becoming popular because of the exotic culture and rich tradition that has been maintained in the country for thousands of years. Though visiting the sites is a good reason to go to China, a couple can find romantic getaways to rekindle the flames of their love and at the same time have a wonderful, exciting vacation that they will never forget. China vacations come in all sorts of packages, but there is one that the couple in love will go for more than most.

Whether you are looking for a place to honeymoon or a place to rekindle old love, China offers many romantic hotels with features you would only expect to find in Europe or in American. A China vacations package can offer a stay in the Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai. It is only a twenty minute drive from the Hong Qioa International airport and offers beautiful view from over five hundred room and luxurious suites that were created with the romantic getaway in mind. The hotel will offer the finest in quality and service and if you are mixing business with pleasure the hotel has state of the art conference rooms and catering services that will please any business guest. When staying at this hotel, you and your significant other can enjoy great shopping. The hotel is located right in the middle of the commercial and shopping district.

Even if you do not want to leave the hotel and just bundle up in your room, you can enjoy some of the best dining Shanghai has to offer. They have six restaurants and lounges that are awarding winning with their mix of culinary delights and variety of cuisine. They even have a health club where the couple can work out together and a pool and hot tub to relax in after a hard day of seeing the site. China vacations and a stay at the Ritz can even offer entertainment. The hotel is located only ten minutes away from the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Shanghai Museum.

Other China vacation packages may even offer airfare and ground transportation to go along with your stay at the Shanghai Ritz. Your imagination is the limit as you jet off to this romantic vacation spot. The culture is so rich and historical you will be amazed at the split between the ancient and modern architecture you will see around the city. One building will look like a sky scrapper you would see in New York and the next building will be built thousands of years ago and you will see the site perfectly preserved in the original cultural manner.

So when you and your significant other sit down to plan your next romantic getaway, remember that china vacation packages can cater to your every whim. You can visit a distinct culture and see historical sites that are thousands of years old and at the same time you can bring your relationship together and have a stronger bond between the two of you.

China Vacations And Cultural Etiquette

Ed — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 05:44:01 +0000

Whether you are traveling for business or you are taking that dream China vacation, you need to know the cultural etiquette do get along with the people of the country. You don't want to make a cultural faux pas or embarrass or anger your host. The best thing to do is to learn the etiquette of China before you even get on the plane. Chinese people are a gracious host, but you are in their country and it is always polite to follow the ways of the land instead of insulting them with your western manners. A few tips will go along way in sealing that business deal or making friends on your China vacation.

If you are going to do business in China you better have your ducks in a row. Chinese businessmen expect you to know everything about their company before your come to the table. To not know about the company is an insult that will not lie easily. They expect you to want to do business with them because of their reputation, not because there is profit in it for you. Also make sure you have a qualified interpreter. There are different dialects in the Chinese language and if your interpreter does not know a inclination in the dialect, your business deal will go sour quickly.

Let the Chinese business partners know upfront that your company has a code of conduct when dealing with business matters and you are bound by it. If you are to employ Chinese people to work in your business, you should have a code of conduct for them to sign. The code of conduct lets the Chinese business know that you are a honorable company that is looking out for both partners in the deal. To come to the table without a code of conduct or even mentioning one would set you up for disgrace and your company will be seen as a embarrassment.

While on your China vacation, you must watch what you say and do. Never take a picture of a Chinese citizen unless you have their permission. They are still a little paranoid of tourists and their paranoia is founded in their decades under communist rule. Politely ask by using gestures. Nine times out of ten they will give you permission, but they may be really angry if you take a shot without their permission. Your camera may even be confiscated by local police if there is a complaint about you. Ask first, then shoot. It is only polite and courteous for you to follow this simple rule.

Vacations in China can be fun if you are just courteous and polite. The ugly American icon still floats around the country so what you do and say can be a representation of your country. Follow the laws, rules, and customs and if you do not know, just ask. If you are uncomfortable take yourself out of the situation. Etiquette is an important rule to follow and your vacation in China will be fun and never forgotten.

Three Great China Vacation Destinations

Ed — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:34:01 +0000

When looking over China vacations packages you might want to visit one destination or take a sweeping tour of the country. China is a big country with a lot of historical sites and beautiful landscapes that are unique to only this part of the world. You could pick one city or district in China and not see the whole thing even in a week and in some districts, a month. So when planning your China vacation, keep in mind what you really want to see and what you have time for. You may want to too keep one or two places in reserve if you find you have more time that you thought. Any where you choose, you can be assured that your vacation will be unique and exciting.

You might want to visit Yongding. Here you can visit the circular fortresses of the Hakka minority. These famous fortresses housed hundreds of members of the same family name and kept the ancestral history that is thousand of years old intact. Not only did these fortresses protect the families from the barbaric hoards but they stood as palaces and castles that showed the wealth of a family name and the honor it was to belong to that family. It is one of the most impressive architecture that demonstrates the domestic family ties that are abound in China.

Another China vacation destination is Yushu in the Qinghai province. Here Tibetan culture is mixed with the Chinese culture and you can have the best of both worlds. Though the Chinese government has put political pressure on the Tibetans, these descendants of great warriors will welcome you into their town. You can shop the local markets and visit Tibetan monasteries that have overshadowed the town for a thousand years. This cultural adventure will be the highlight of any China destination that you choose.

If you want to add a religious experience to your China vacation, you cant miss the town of Jianshui in the Yunnan district. This town was built during the Han dynasty and here you will see the third largest Confusion temple in the country. Also you will see a mixture of Qing and Ming dynasty architecture that will weave a rich tapestry of culture and history right before your eyes. Rice farming is abundant here and you can bicycle or hike through terraced fields that you may have only seen in your fourth grade geography book.

No matter what city, province, or district you choose on your China vacations package, you will find friendly people who are just as curious about you as you are of them. Through the thousands of years of history, this country and its people can offer you a vacation of a lifetime and an education of a culture that has been and will be an influence to the rest of the world for another thousand years to come. If you want to know more about each of the sites listed above, do a little research on the internet, and find out more. Once you get a little taste of what is offered there, you will be planning your China vacation immediately.

China Vacations History Comes Alive

Ed — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:02:01 +0000

China vacations are some of the most unique and exciting vacations any traveler can embark on. Each district and region of China offers a different taste and culture than the others that surround it. Though the national Chinese cultural heart is centered around the government, the historical cultural history can be seen in every hamlet, village, or urban sprawled city. With over a billion souls in its population this country offers more to the traveler in a day, then what the same traveler can see on other continents in a week. The people are friendly and you can go on escorted or solo tours all over this beautiful nation.

One destination that you might want to visit is Yanbian. This district boarders North Korea and the rolling hills have been seen by few western eyes. The district has just been opened for tourism so you will not have the deference of tourist shops and other hyped attractions. You will have the beauty of the landscape and the sincerity of the people as you hike or bike between villages and towns. The northern Chinese are not use to tourists so you might run into real culture and not culture that is put on for the tourist dollar. Three is a little bit of China and a little bit of North Korea in this area so you can see a little of both cultures during your visit.

Another great China vacation destination is Tengchong located in the Yunnan district. This town was apart of the southern silk route that Marco Polo traveled when Europeans first came to China. You can bike or take a bus down this same historic route that brought European goods to China and silk to Europe and the Middle East. This town is very laid back and will give you the flavor of good China country living. Peasants and farmers will gladly welcome you into their shops for a taste of Chinese culture and perhaps a taste of the local food. Not only is this a place for tourism, but the natural wonders around the area have brought scientists and researchers around the world to study the hot springs, volcanos, and waterfalls that surround the area.

Another China vacation destination is Pingyao located in the Shanxi province. Not only have American and European tourists discovered this vacation paradise, but this is a favorite spot for the Chinese vacationers. This is one of the best preserved Qing and Ming dynasty towns in China. You can see architecture from both dynasties and the mix of the ancient and the modern is done with a tasteful flair that will have tourists coming to this area for a millennium to come.

No matter what China vacation destination you choose, you will find that culture and history come alive like no other vacation destination. The people will welcome you with open arms as they show you their proud heritage and their cultural distinctness. China vacations have been imprinted on the memory of thousands of tourist and whatever location you choose, you can be sure that your memories will include fun and adventure.

China Vacations Offers Biking And Total Immersion

Ed — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:55:01 +0000

If you have biked through the Rockies or have cycled over the gentle rolling hills of France, you have not had a biking adventure until you have gone on a China vacations package that allows you to bike through the country side of China. Called total immersion biking, this grand adventure allows solos and couples to bike and see the majestic views of the Chinese country as well as totally immersing yourself in the culture. For fewer than fifteen hundred dollars a piece, you and your partner can share your love of bicycling and at the same time have an adventure of a lifetime.

A china vacation that allows you to bike through the country will allow you to interact with the locals and share their in depth knowledge of their culture and language. You will traditional Chinese farmers and visit with villagers that have maintained their village culture for thousands of years. You will be to hone in on your skill of the Chinese language because on this tour very little villagers speak English. You will be able to see small farming hamlets and huge urban centers that contrast the old and the new and compliment each at the same time. From business executive to the humblest peasant, you will have a one to one encounter that will make this china vacation come alive with authenticity.

Most vacation packages that involve cycling are tourist cloned and set up so that you only see the best of the country. In a china vacations biking tour you will see the good and the bad of the country and see the real China, not the one that is spruced up for tourists to promote their country. On the china vacation biking tour you can actually ride your bike down the road along the Great Wall. Most people visit the Great Wall in select locations, but you can bike from spot to spot and be in a throng of people or be by yourself cycling through vast scenery that few non-Chinese people see. Not many people can say that they have rode a bike from Beijing to the Great Wall without actually being Chinese.

If you want to check out the Southern Chinese provinces you can start your China vacation in Hong Kong where you can see some of the world's largest financial districts and the subtle British influence that reigned over the city before the Chinese reclaimed it more than a decade ago. You can go to the great cites of Guangzhou and Xi'an and visit the Forbidden City or the Great Shanghais Theater. The shopping, culture, and history that non-biking tourists city will be added to the bike ride that winds itself around the most beautiful and bizarre landscapes in the world.

Not only do you get the health benefits and fun of cycling you will have one of the best China vacations on the market. So call your travel agent or look online. Grab your spandex, bike, and helmet and start the biking vacation of your life.

China Vacations And The Do's And Dont's At The Custom Office

Ed — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:26:01 +0000

China vacations are fun and adventurous. As with every vacation abroad you need to do's and don'ts when you are entering and leaving the country. A faux pas could get you into some serious trouble with China and you may not be allowed into the country and you worse you may even be deported or jailed. It is wise to know the customs and quirks of the country but it is more important to know what is legal and illegal. A country's law should be respected and without this respect the tourist is setting themselves up with some serious consequences. The following is some do's and don't when you are planning your China vacation. To not follow them could mean that your vacation ends at the customs office.

If you are a smoker or drink alcohol there are some pretty tight regulations of what you can bring into the country. You can have two hundred cigarettes which is usually a carton. If you try to get anymore into the country they will be destroyed in the customs line. There are cigarettes for sale in China, but they may be of lesser quality than the brand you are used to smoking. You are allowed fifty cigars and Cuban cigars are legal in China. You can purchase Cubans at many of the tobacconist in the major cities. Don't ruin your China vacation because you have a large smoking habit. Stick by the rules and you will be able to have one of the best vacation experiences you have ever had.

You are allowed to take into and out of China only two 1.5 liters of alcohol. Unless this is a gift it would be wise to purchase your alcohol in China. Your China vacation can't go without you trying some of the local alcoholic beverages. There are many varieties of rice beer and liquor that will tempt your palette and at the same time you the same high you would receive from American or European beers and liquors. Some Chinese restaurants brew their own spirits, but be careful of these, some are mixed with chemicals that will give it a kick, but may be dangerous to your health and your senses.

On your China vacations make sure you declare your electronic equipment whether you are entering or leaving the country. China has a large inverstmet in the electronics market and they keep a close eye on any electronic devise coming into the country. Computers, word processors, cameras, and even ipods are scrutinized carefully. If you buy an electronic device in China declare it on the way out to avoid any confusion in the customs office. You done want to be accused of black marketing. You could be deported or thrown into the Chinese jail.

When on your China vacation, pay attention and learn the rules that govern what you can take into the country and can take out. If you don't know, ask. China welcomes tourism, but they do not want their economy or cultural heritage ruined by a non-compliant or ignorant tourist.